S-2399/A-3845 (Scutari, Whelan/Greenwald) – ABSOLUTE – Provides, under certain circumstances, for immediate issuance of marriage and civil union licenses at the time license application is made

In vetoing S2399, Christie said that “New Jersey law has long prohibited the issuance of a marriage or civil union license sooner than seventy-two hours after application. This bill would eliminate that sensible waiting period, and provide for the immediate issuance of both licenses.

“It has been suggested that removing this brief waiting period may increase the number of ‘destination weddings’ in New Jersey. Such events, however, are planned well in advance of the current statutory requirement.

“Instead, this bill will only facilitate spontaneous ceremonies and hasty marriages. I am not persuaded that our laws should be changed on that basis.”

And in addition, he said, “I cannot support legislation that might carelessly lead to more thoughtless marriages.”

He also raised concerns about the havoc the bill could play with the functions of municipal offices.